SRP of $22 and available for as low as $16. Sample submitted for review.

From the bottle:

“Craggy Range is a family owned winery specialising in the production of expressive single vineyard wines. The Kidnappers Vineyard is spectacularly located at Te Awanga near Cape Kidnappers. It was named when Captain Cook’s cabin boy was taken, then returned, by the local tribes people. Sheep once grazed the land before its potential for grapes was realised by its owners, the Hursthouse and Caseley families. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean the vineyard enjoys warm summers tempered by the cooling sea breeze. The cool yet sunny environment allows the development of intense Chardonnay flavours in the grapes that we captured using traditional winemaking techniques. A modern New World expression of pure Chardonnay.

13.0% Alcohol”

The 2011 Craggy Range Kidnappers Vineyard Hawkes Bay Chardonnay begins with a very nice aroma of lemon and pear with a hint of vanilla. It smells slightly creamy which makes me think it might be a bit oaky but tasting the wine reveals that fruit leads the way. The primary flavors are apple, pear, citrus and some nice tropical fruit flavors that become more pronounced on the finish. This wine also features a great rich and even a bit chalky texture with nice mineral and spice notes that linger in the mouth for a good long time. Excellent!

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